The Latest Breaking News from James Linn

Illinois appeals court to hear arguments on Jussie Smollett request to toss convictions

An Illinois appeals court will hear oral arguments Tuesday that the panel should toss Jussie Smollett's convictions for staging a racist, homophobic attack against himself and then lying about it to Chicago police

The Independent UK · Sep 12, 2023

Man gets life sentence in killing of off-duty Chicago cop Clifton Lewis in 2011; vows to appeal, says he was framed

Alexander Villa was convicted of gunning down Lewis during the armed robbery of a convenience store at Division Street and Austin Boulevard, where Lewis was working as a security guard.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 28, 2023

Judge denies bid for new trial in off-duty cop’s slaying

The sentencing of Alexander Villa, found guilty at trial for the 2011 murder of Chicago Police Officer Clifton Lewis in 2019, has been scheduled for Monday.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 26, 2023

Jussie Smollett files opening arguments as he appeals conviction for lying in hate crime hoax

The filing repeats several arguments that were made ahead of the actor’s trial, including that the prosecution violated his protection against double jeopardy.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 2, 2023

Jussie Smollett given more time to file appeal brief, but court warns ‘no further extension will be granted’

The actor and singer is appealing his 2021 conviction for staging a hate crime against himself in Chicago and lying about it.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 31, 2023

For fifth time, Jussie Smollett’s lawyers ask for more time to file brief appealing conviction linked to fake hate crime

The attorneys said their brief is ready but they are still waiting on a ruling on whether they can submit a longer filing than is typically allowed.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 26, 2023

As accusations swirl, State’s Atty. Kim Foxx pulls her Conviction Integrity Unit chief off a big case

As head of the unit, Nancy Adduci reviews cases to make sure prosecutors got them right. Now her work in a cop killing case is under fire.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 21, 2023

U.S. request could block evidence in probe of Chicago cop’s murder

Federal prosecutors say it might violate law to release files from a massive joint investigation launched with CPD in the wake of Officer Clifton Lewis shooting.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 15, 2022

Smollett drops new song declaring his innocence while he fights his conviction

“It’s like they’re hell-bent on not solving the crime” the former Empire actor sings on the track, which he posted to Instagram while he is free during his appeal.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 12, 2022

Jussie Smollett walked out of jail Wednesday night. Will he ever have to go back?

The former “Empire” actor was freed on bond while his appeal is pending, and experts say he might avoid more jail time even if the ruling in his case eventually doesn’t go his way.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 18, 2022